News Reporter

Trading Standards officers from Nottinghamshire County Council have seized 67 children’s hats which are likely to pose a strangulation risk from a Mansfield retailer and a North Nottinghamshire market trader.

The seizure follows a warning earlier this month about scarves with a similar tie design which were on sale in Leicestershire.

The hats are in a furry material with a stuffed toy head of an animal, Hello Kitty or ‘Despicable Me’ Minion with ties which from a noose therefore making them potentially dangerous.

The council has given a warning to the traders not to sell similar items in the future and has notified local markets signed up to the Real Deal to keep a look out for such items of clothing on sale.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “Local people may be tempted to buy one of these hats for a child they know for Christmas or a child may buy one out of their Christmas money.

“We are urging people to avoid buying one of these hats or if their child has one to throw it in the bin as they are likely to be a major safety hazard.”

The Real Deal campaign is a nationwide partnership initiative, bringing together Trading Standards services, market operators and traders, industry groups, and copyright and trademark owners, all of whom are united with a common commitment to tackling the problem of a small minority of illicit traders selling illegal products on markets.

People who see similar hats for sale are being encouraging to report the retailer to the Citizen’s Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.